Sports monks

Pakistan’s shot at making it to the T20 World Cup semifinal is hanging by a thread following New Zealand’s win over Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The Kiwis, who trounced the co-hosts by 61 runs in Colombo, significantly improved their Net Run Rate (NRR) to +3.050 and are now clear favourites to qualify for the semi-finals from Group 2 along with England. Pakistan, who are currently third in the table, must win their final Super 8s match against Sri Lanka on Saturday. Pakistan's NRR

Belinda Bencic and Elina Svitolina have created history by becoming the first mothers to be ranked in the WTA Tour's top 10 at the same time, with the governing body calling it "an incredible moment for women's sport". Switzerland’s Bencic re-entered the top 10 for the first time since September 2023 in January as she was absent from the court after that date throughout her break to have daughter Bella. On Monday she was joined in the new rankings by Svitolina, mother of young Skai after

England lost to New Zealand by one run in one of the all-time great finishes to the second Test in Wellington. On a barely believable final day at the Basin Reserve, last man James Anderson was caught down the leg side off Neil Wagner when England needed two to win. Anderson had joined number 10 Jack Leach with seven required, after Leach added 36 for the ninth wicket with Ben Foakes, who was caught at fine leg for 35. Anderson fended off a